Ross will be a resident artist at Illinois State University this coming March through the Arts Technology and Music Departments. They will premiering three new pieces on March 28th, 2019, at the Center of Performing Arts, and all pieces will involve electro-acoustic elements. They will be sharing this opportunity with performers Matthan Black and Gahlord Dewald!

"Schöne Gespielin" (Exquisite Playmate): From Sonnet 25 of the First Part of Rilke’s “Sonnets to Orpheus.” In memory of young Vera Knoop, who died aged 18. She had been a talented dancer but suddenly stopped, took an interest in music, then died of a glandular disease. Rilke saw her only a few times. Just before she died, Vera said “Now I can dance!” Written for Baritone (Matthan Ring Black) and Waterphone, this piece narrates the passing of a able-bodied dancer into the aether, through the words of her lover.

"I’ve Chosen Darkness": Commissioned and performed by bassist Gahlord Dewald. Written for Contrabass and Encapsulated Electronics, this piece follows the life of fictional character Vanessa Ives from the television series “Penny Dreadful.” I found her constant struggle against the forces of evil the reason why she was so easily sucked in. When you are not able to embrace both sides of your nature, eventually the more destructive side takes hold.

"Love Songs for the End of the World": Based on characters created and inspired by H.P. Lovecraft, this song cycle examines the parallels between the Old Ones’ desire for dominion and unrequited love. Who hasn't fallen in love with someone they can't have? But we don't all have the ability to crush the minds of those who wronged us. What would you do if you had that power? These poems give us the opportunity to explore the dark longings and ineffectual rage that lives inside all of us while experiencing it in a safe and beautiful way through song and sound. Who hasn't fallen in love with someone they can't have? But we don't all have the ability to crush the minds of those who wronged us. What would you do if you had that power? Crean musically builds on our psychic comfortability while instilling a sense of cosmic disruption dwelling just beneath the surface of the mind. Performed by Baritone Matthan Ring Black with piano and electronics by Ross Crean. Song text by Matthan Ring Black, with R’lyehian interlude text by Ross Crean.

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Ross Crean is a multi-genre recording artist and composer, so don't be afraid of the variety! You can also listen to a lot of Ross' work at Soundcloud by clicking here.

Ross is always for hire for multimedia and film projects as well. Check out the COMPOSITIONS page to listen to past works!